Ukrainian billionaire calls on for dialogue to solve crisis

(QHA) -

Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov on Friday issued a statement on the situation in the country.

In the statement he expressed his position regarding recent events in Ukraine:

“In these days, many people want to know my personal attitude. My position is the following: Ukraine and the president have walked the European road for over the last three-and-a-half years. And very much has been done over this period…But the fact that people suffered in these days is unacceptable. I am confident that now it is a difficult moment for our country, and it is very important to have a cool head and a balanced approach. In short, common sense should win”.

Akhmetov called on for a negotiating table at which decision to benefit the Ukrainians and Ukraine should be taken:

“I am for the negotiating table. Politicians, the authorities, the opposition and the moral leaders of the country should sit at the negotiating table and take the decision of which we will be proud. Again, proud, not ashamed. The decision from which every Ukrainian and Ukraine will benefit in the short, medium and long term.”

Note: Rinat Akhmetov is a Ukrainian businessman and oligarch. He is the founder and President of System Capital Management (SCM), and is ranked among the wealthiest men in the nation. As of March 2013, he was listed as the 47th richest man in the world with an estimated net worth of US 15.4 billion. Akhmetov is also the owner and President of the Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk. From 2006–2012 was a member of the Ukrainian Parliament for the Party of Regions.